Method and system for tuning the effect of vehicle characteristics on risk prediction

ABSTRACT

A Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee&#39;s Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up. A catalog or index of “standardized” motion profiles are accessible for initial comparison to actual vehicle motion characteristics in order to streamline the tuning of the driver risk analysis system. The system determines if and when an offset in Center of Gravity (i.e. from where initialized) has occurred, after which the system responsively tunes the driver risk assessment/prediction/analysis/reporting system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/586,750, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TUNING THE EFFECT OFVEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS ON RISK PREDICTION filed Aug. 15, 2012 which isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes; which is acontinuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/359,787,entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TUNING THE EFFECT OF VEHICLECHARACTERISTICS ON RISK PREDICTION filed Jan. 26, 2009 which isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes

This application is an improvement upon the systems, methods and devicespreviously disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/382,222, filed May 8,2006, Ser. No. 11/382,239 filed May 8, 2006, Ser. No. 11/566,539 filedMay 8, 2006, Ser. No. 11/467,694 filed May 9, 2006, Ser. No. 11/382,328filed May 9, 2006, Ser. No. 11/382,325 filed May 9, 2006, Ser. No.11/465,765 filed Aug. 18, 2006, Ser. No. 11/467,486 filed Aug. 25, 2006,Ser. No. 11/566,424 filed Dec. 4, 2006 and Ser. No. 11/566,526 filedDec. 4, 2006, (“Prior Applications”), and as such, the discloses ofthose Prior Applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to systems for analyzing driving eventsand risk and, more specifically, to a Method and System for Tuning theEffect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction.

2. Description of Related Art

The surveillance, analysis and reporting of vehicular accidents and“events” has, for some time, been the focus of numerous inventive andcommercial efforts. These systems seek to monitor a vehicle's conditionwhile being driven by a driver, and then record and report whenever a“hazardous” condition is detected. What vehicle (and/or driver) symptomsare to constitute a “hazardous” event or condition is defined in thecontext of a particular monitoring system. Each system will monitor oneor more sensor devices located in the vehicle (e.g. shock sensors,location sensors, attitude/orientation sensors, sound sensors), and willgenerally apply a threshold alarm level (of a variety of levels ofsophistication) to the sensor(s) output to assign an event or anon-event. Prior systems of note include the following patents andprinted publications: Guensler; et al., US2007/0216521 describes a“Real-time Traffic Citation Probability Display System and Method”incorporates environmental factors and geocentric risk elements todetermine driver risk of citation in real-time. Gunderson, et al.,US2007/0257804 describes a “System and Method for Reducing Driving Riskwith Foresight.” The Gunderson system and method introduces drivercoaching into the driver risk analysis system and method. Warren, etal., US2007/0027726 is a system for “Calculation of Driver Score Basedon Vehicle Operation for Forward-looking Insurance Premiums.” Warrencalculates insurance premiums using geomapping to subdivide underwritingareas. Gunderson, et al., US2007/0271105 is a “System and Method forReducing Risk with Hindsight” that provides forensic analysis of avehicle accident, including video of the driver and area in front of thevehicle. Gunderson, et al., US2007/0268158 is a “System and Method forReducing Risk with Insight.” This Gunderson method and system monitorsdriving for the purpose of analyzing and reporting events on adriver-centric basis. Gunderson, et al, US2007/0257815 is a “System andMethod for Taking Risk out of Driving,” and introduces the creation of adriver coaching session as part of the driving monitoring system.Warren, et al., US2006/0253307 describes “Calculation of Driver Scorebased on Vehicle Operation” in order to assess driver risk based upon avehicle/driver geolocation and duration in risky locations. Warren, etal., US20060053038 is related to the '307 Warren, that further includesactivity parameters in determining driver risk. Kuttenberger, et al., isa “Method and Device for Evaluating Driving Situations.” This systemdoes calculate driving risk based upon accelerometers and other vehiclecharacteristics. Finally, Kuboi, et al. is a “Vehicle Behavior AnalysisSystem” that includes GPS, video and onboard triggers fornotification/storing/uploading data related to the vehicle behavior.

A detailed review of each of these prior systems has been conducted, andwhile each and every one of them discloses what is purported to be anovel system for vehicle risk monitoring, reporting and/or analysis,none of these prior systems suggests a system that uses real-timemonitoring of the vehicle center of gravity in order to continuously“tune” the onboard vehicle risk sensing and risk predicting systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the priorsystems and methods, it is an object of the present invention to providea Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics onRisk Prediction. The preferred system many incorporate many of thosedriver risk assessment system features previously disclosed byAssignee's Prior Applications. This system should provide a majorfunctional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature ofreal-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system inresponse to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics.Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to monitor thevehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and thenadjust the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. Thesystem should include an initialization feature that implements aninitial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at thecommencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up. Itwould be beneficial if a catalog or index of “standardized” motionprofiles were accessible for initial comparison to actual vehicle motioncharacteristics in order to streamline the tuning of the driver riskanalysis system. A final object would be that the system determine ifand when an offset in Center of Gravity (i.e. from where initialized)has occurred, after which the system would responsively tune the driverrisk assessment/prediction/analysis/reporting system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed tobe novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Thepresent invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation,together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood byreference to the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional vehicle having a preferredembodiment of the system of the present invention installed therein;

FIG. 2 is a is a block diagram depicting the event detector of thesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another vehicle having the system ofFIG. 1 installed thereon, and FIG. 3B depicts a three-dimensional axisand types of spacial motion;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional computing device suitablefor executing the method described herein;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional wireless communicationsdevice suitable for communicating between the event detector of FIG. 2and a remote base unit;

FIGS. 6A-6C depict exemplary spacial motion profiles for differingvehicle types;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting the steps of a preferred event detectionmethod using real-time vehicle classification;

FIGS. 8A-8C depict different vehicle classes and their associatedcenters of gravity;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting the steps of a preferred event detectionmethod using real-time vehicle classification to filter sensor data; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting exemplary inputs to the eventdetector of FIG. 1, and the potential response results and destinationsfor detected events.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Variousmodifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, since the generic principles of the present invention have beendefined herein specifically to provide a Method and System for Tuningthe Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction.

The present invention can best be understood by initial consideration ofFIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional vehicle 10 having apreferred embodiment of the system of the present invention installedtherein. The event detector 30A is in control of a one or more eventcapture devices 20 that are attached to the vehicle 10. The eventdetector 30A communicates with the capture devices 20 via wired orwireless interface. There is a data storage area 35 also associated withthe event detector 30A, as will be expanded upon below in connectionwith other drawing figures.

The event detector 30A can be any of a variety of types of computingdevices with the ability to execute programmed instructions, receiveinput from various sensors, and communicate with one or more internal orexternal event capture devices 20 and other external devices (notshown). The detector 30A may utilize software, hardware and/or firmwarein a variety of combinations to execute the instructions of thedisclosed method.

An example general purpose computing device that may be employed as allor a portion of an event detector 30A is later described in connectionwith the discussion related to FIG. 4, hereinbelow. Similarly, anexample general purpose wireless communication device that may beemployed as all or a portion of an event detector 30A is later describedin connection with the discussion related to FIG. 5 hereinbelow.

When the event detector 30A identifies an event, the event detector 30Ainstructs the one or more event capture devices 20 to record pre-eventdata, during the event data, and post-event data that is then providedto the event detector 30A and stored in the data storage area 35. Inreality, the event capture devices 20 constantly save data in a buffermemory, which allows the system to actually obtain data that wasfirst-recorded (into a buffer memory) prior to the event itself.

Events may comprise a variety of situations, including automobileaccidents, reckless driving, rough driving, or any other type ofstationary or moving occurrence that the owner of a vehicle 10 maydesire to know about, and is more fully described below in connectionwith other drawing figures.

The vehicle 10 may have a plurality of event capture devices 20 placedin various locations around the vehicle 10. An event capture device 20may comprise a video camera, still camera, microphone, and other typesof data capture devices. For example, an event capture device 20 mayinclude an accelerometer that senses changes in speed, direction, andvehicle spacial orientation. Additional sensors and/or data capturedevices may also be incorporated into an event capture device 20 inorder to provide a rich set of information about a detected event.

The data storage area 35 can be any sort of internal or external, fixedor removable memory device and may include both persistent and volatilememories. The function of the data storage area 35 is to maintain datafor long term storage and also to provide efficient and fast access toinstructions for applications or modules that are executed by the eventdetector 30A.

In one embodiment, event detector 30A in combination with the one ormore event capture devices 20 identifies an event and stores certainaudio and video data along with related information about the event. Forexample, related information may include the speed of the vehicle whenthe event occurred, the direction the vehicle was traveling, thelocation of the vehicle (e.g., from a global positioning system “GPS”sensor), and other information from sensors located in and around thevehicle or from the vehicle itself (e.g., from a data bus integral tothe vehicle such as an on board diagnostic “OBD” vehicle bus). Thiscombination of audio, video, and other data is compiled into an eventthat can be stored in data storage 35 onboard the vehicle for laterdelivery to an evaluation server. Turning to FIG. 2, we can examine someof the internal details regarding the event detector 30A.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example event detector 30Aaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, the event detector 30A comprises an audio/video (“AV”)module 100, a sensor module 110, a communication module 120, a controlmodule 130, and a spacial behavior module 115. Additional modules mayalso be employed to carry out the various functions of the eventdetector 30A, as will be understood by those having skill in the art.

The AV module 100 is configured to manage the audio and video input fromone or more event capture devices and storage of the audio and videoinput. The sensor module 110 is configured to manage one or more sensorsthat can be integral to the event detector 30A or external from theevent detector 30A. For example, an accelerometer may be integral to theevent detector 30A or it may be located elsewhere in the vehicle 10. Thesensor module 110 may also manage other types of sensor devices such asa GPS sensor, temperature sensor, moisture sensor, and the OBD, or thelike (all not shown).

The communication module 120 is configured to manage communicationsbetween the event detector 30A and other devices and modules. Forexample, the communication module 120 may handle communications betweenthe event detector 30A and the various event capture devices 20. Thecommunication module 120 may also handle communications between theevent detector 30A and a memory device, a docking station, or a serversuch as an evaluation server. The communication module 120 is configuredto communicate with these various types of devices and other types ofdevices via a direct wire link (e.g., USB cable, firewire cable), adirect wireless link (e.g., infrared, Bluetooth, ZigBee), or a wired orany wireless network link such as a local area network (“LAN”), a widearea network (“WAN”), a wireless wide area network (“WWAN”), an IEEE 802wireless network such as an IEEE 802.16 (“WiFi”) network, a WiMAXnetwork, satellite network, or a cellular network. The particularcommunications mode used will determine which, if any, antennae 650 isused.

The spacial behavior module 115, and its functionality, is unique ascompared to prior systems. It would seem apparent that many vehicleevents or triggers are related to vehicle movements (acceleration,deceleration, roll, pitch, yaw, etc.). Consequently, the treatment ofthe vehicle spacial motion data is critical to the effectiveidentification of risky driving “events.” Specific details will bediscussed below in connection with other drawing figures, therefore itis sufficient here to mention that the spacial behavior module 115 isresponsible for analyzing data related to vehicle spacial motion, andresponsively making adjustments to (i e tuning) the event detector 30A.The real-time tuning of the event detector 30A based on vehicle spacialmotion has never been attempted in a driver risk monitoring system.

The control module 130 is configured to control the actions or remotedevices such as the one or more event capture devices. For example, thecontrol module 130 may be configured to instruct the event capturedevices to capture an event and return the data to the event detectorwhen it is informed by the sensor module 110 that certain triggercriteria have been met that identify an event. FIGS. 3A and 3B, continuethe introduction of the novel features introduced by the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another vehicle having the system ofFIG. 1 installed thereon. One or more of the event capture devices 20embody the ability to detect spacial motion of the vehicle 10 innon-linear directions or planes. FIG. 3B depicts a three-dimensionalaxis and these types of spacial motion. Specifically, Pitch (“P”), whichis vehicle rotation about the lateral axis, may be detected by one ormore of the capture devices 20. Similarly, Roll (“R”), which is vehiclerotation about the horizontal axis (i.e. the direction in longitudinalalignment with the vehicle) may also be detected by one or more of thecapture devices 20. Finally, Yaw (“Y”), which is vehicle rotation aboutthe vertical axis may be detected by one or more of the capture devices20.

As will be discussed more fully below, these non-linear motioncharacteristics can have a strong effect on the behavior of anymotion-sensing event detection system. A particular vehicle or class ofvehicle will tend to exhibit its own motion characteristics in theseaxes, and if the event detection system takes the vehicle's spacialmotion characteristics into account when determining whether or not an“event” has occurred will tend to be much more accurate at recordingrisky driving behaviors because the detected events will be more likelyto be actual high-risk events. Furthermore, if these parameters areclosely monitored, one would expect to detect vehicular changes that mayindicate tampering, vehicle maintenance requirements, usage problems ormodifications, and other related issues or trends. Prior to expanding onthe functioning of this feature of the present system, we will firstdetail the basic hardware within the vehicle that handles the event datathat is captured.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional computing device 750suitable for executing the method described hereinbelow. For example,the computer system 750 may be used in conjunction with an eventdetector previously described with respect to FIG. 1, or an evaluationserver, analysis station, counseling station, or supervisor stationdescribed in the Prior Applications. However, other computer systemsand/or architectures may be used, as will be clear to those skilled inthe art.

The computer system 750 preferably includes one or more processors, suchas processor 752. Additional processors may be provided, such as anauxiliary processor to manage input/output, an auxiliary processor toperform floating point mathematical operations, a special-purposemicroprocessor having an architecture suitable for fast execution ofsignal processing algorithms (e.g., digital signal processor), a slaveprocessor subordinate to the main processing system (e.g., back-endprocessor), an additional microprocessor or controller for dual ormultiple processor systems, or a coprocessor. Such auxiliary processorsmay be discrete processors or may be integrated with the processor 752.

The processor 752 is preferably connected to a communication bus 754.The communication bus 754 may include a data channel for facilitatinginformation transfer between storage and other peripheral components ofthe computer system 750. The communication bus 754 further may provide aset of signals used for communication with the processor 752, includinga data bus, address bus, and control bus (not shown). The communicationbus 754 may comprise any standard or non-standard bus architecture suchas, for example, bus architectures compliant with industry standardarchitecture (“ISA”), extended industry standard architecture (“EISA”),Micro Channel Architecture (“MCA”), peripheral component interconnect(“PCI”) local bus, mini PCI express, or standards promulgated by theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) includingIEEE 488 general-purpose interface bus (“GPIB”), IEEE 696/S-100, and thelike.

Computer system 750 preferably includes a main memory 756 and may alsoinclude a secondary memory 758. The main memory 756 provides storage ofinstructions and data for programs executing on the processor 752. Themain memory 756 is typically semiconductor-based memory such as dynamicrandom access memory (“DRAM”) and/or static random access memory(“SRAM”). Other semiconductor-based memory types include, for example,synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”), Rambus dynamicrandom access memory (“RDRAM”), ferroelectric random access memory(“FRAM”), and the like, including read only memory (“ROM”).

The secondary memory 758 may optionally include a hard disk drive 760and/or a removable storage drive 762, for example a floppy disk drive, amagnetic tape drive, a compact disc (“CD”) drive, a digital versatiledisc (“DVD”) drive, etc. The removable storage drive 762 reads fromand/or writes to a removable storage medium 764 in a well-known manner.Removable storage medium 764 may be, for example, a floppy disk,magnetic tape, CD, DVD, memory stick, USB memory device, etc.

The removable storage medium 764 is preferably a computer readablemedium having stored thereon computer executable code (i.e., software)and/or data. The computer software or data stored on the removablestorage medium 764 is read into the computer system 750 as electricalcommunication signals 778.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 758 may include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other data orinstructions to be loaded into the computer system 750. Such means mayinclude, for example, an external storage medium 772 and an interface770. Examples of external storage medium 772 may include an externalhard disk drive or an external optical drive, or and externalmagneto-optical drive.

Other examples of secondary memory 758 may include semiconductor-basedmemory such as programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable read-onlymemory (“EEPROM”), or flash memory. Also included are any otherremovable storage units 772 and interfaces 770, which allow software anddata to be transferred from the removable storage unit 772 to thecomputer system 750.

Computer system 750 may also include a communication interface 774. Thecommunication interface 774 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 750 and external devices (e.g. printers),networks, or information sources. For example, computer software orexecutable code may be transferred to computer system 750 from a networkserver via communication interface 774. Examples of communicationinterface 774 include a modem, a network interface card (“NIC”), acommunications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an infrared interface, andan IEEE 1394 fire-wire, just to name a few.

Communication interface 774 preferably implements industry promulgatedprotocol standards, such as Ethernet IEEE 802 standards, Fiber Channel,digital subscriber line (“DSL”), asynchronous digital subscriber line(“ADSL”), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”), integrateddigital services network (“SDN”), personal communications services(“PCS”), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (“TCP/IP”),serial line Internet protocol/point to point protocol (“SLIP/PPP”), andso on, but may also implement customized or non-standard interfaceprotocols as well.

Software and data transferred via communication interface 774 aregenerally in the form of electrical communication signals 778. Thesesignals 778 are preferably provided to communication interface 774 via acommunication channel 776. Communication channel 776 carries signals 778and can be implemented using a variety of wired or wirelesscommunication means including wire or cable, fiber optics, conventionalphone line, cellular phone link, wireless data communication link, radiofrequency (RF) link, or infrared link, just to name a few.

Computer executable code (i.e., computer programs or software) is storedin the main memory 756 and/or the secondary memory 758. Computerprograms can also be received via communication interface 774 and storedin the main memory 756 and/or the secondary memory 758. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 750 to perform thevarious functions of the present invention as previously described.

In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used torefer to any media used to provide computer executable code (e.g.,software and computer programs) to the computer system 750. Examples ofthese media include main memory 756, secondary memory 758 (includinghard disk drive 760, removable storage medium 764, and external storagemedium 772), and any peripheral device communicatively coupled withcommunication interface 774 (including a network information server orother network device). These computer readable mediums are means forproviding executable code, programming instructions, and software to thecomputer system 750.

In an embodiment that is implemented using software, the software may bestored on a computer readable medium and loaded into computer system 750by way of removable storage drive 762, interface 770, or communicationinterface 774. In such an embodiment, the software is loaded into thecomputer system 750 in the form of electrical communication signals 778.The software, when executed by the processor 752, preferably causes theprocessor 752 to perform the inventive features and functions todescribed hereinbelow.

Various embodiments may also be implemented primarily in hardware using,for example, components such as application specific integrated circuits(“ASICs”), or field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”). Implementationof a hardware state machine capable of performing the functionsdescribed herein will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevantart. Various embodiments may also be implemented using a combination ofboth hardware and software.

Furthermore, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and method stepsdescribed in connection with the above described figures and theembodiments disclosed herein can often be implemented as electronichardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, variousillustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have beendescribed above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within amodule, block, circuit or step is for ease of description. Specificfunctions or steps can be moved from one module, block or circuit toanother without departing from the invention.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and methodsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (“DSP”), an ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logicdevice, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components,or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions describedherein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor can be any processor, controller,microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implementedas a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of aDSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

Additionally, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage mediumincluding a network storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can becoupled to the processor such that the processor can read informationfrom, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative,the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor andthe storage medium can also reside in an ASIC.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional wireless communicationsdevice 650 suitable for communicating between the event detector 30A ofFIG. 2 and a remote base unit. For example, the wireless communicationdevice 650 may be used in conjunction with an event detector previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 1, or an evaluation server, analysisstation, counseling station, or supervisor station previously describedin the Prior Applications. However, other wireless communication devicesand/or architectures may also be used, as will be clear to those skilledin the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, wireless communication device 650comprises an antenna 652, a multiplexor 654, a low noise amplifier(“LNA”) 656, a power amplifier (“PA”) 658, a modulation circuit 660, abaseband processor 662, a speaker 664, a microphone 666, a centralprocessing unit (“CPU”) 668, a data storage area 670, and a hardwareinterface 672. In the wireless communication device 652, radio frequency(“RF”) signals are transmitted and received by antenna 652. Multiplexor654 acts as a switch, coupling antenna 652 between the transmit andreceive signal paths. In the receive path, received RF signals arecoupled from a multiplexor 654 to LNA 656. LNA 656 amplifies thereceived RF signal and couples the amplified signal to a demodulationportion of the modulation circuit 660.

Typically modulation circuit 660 will combine a demodulator andmodulator in one integrated circuit (“IC”). The demodulator andmodulator can also be separate components. The demodulator strips awaythe RF carrier signal leaving a base-band receive audio signal, which issent from the demodulator output to the base-band processor 662.

If the base-band receive audio signal contains audio information, thenbase-band processor 662 decodes the signal and converts it to an analogsignal. Then the signal is amplified and sent to the speaker 664. Thebase-band processor 662 also receives analog audio signals from themicrophone 666. These analog audio signals are converted to digitalsignals and encoded by the base-band processor 662. The base-bandprocessor 662 also codes the digital signals for transmission andgenerates a base-band transmit audio signal that is routed to themodulator portion of modulation circuit 660. The modulator mixes thebase-band transmit audio signal with an RF carrier signal generating anRF transmit signal that is routed to the power amplifier 658. The poweramplifier 658 amplifies the RF transmit signal and routes it to themultiplexor 654 where the signal is switched to the antenna port fortransmission by antenna 652.

The baseband processor 662 is also communicatively coupled with thecentral processing unit 668. The central processing unit 668 has accessto a data storage area 670. The central processing unit 668 ispreferably configured to execute instructions (i.e., computer programsor software) that can be stored in the data storage area 670. Computerprograms can also be received from the baseband processor 662 and storedin the data storage area 670 or executed upon receipt. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the wireless communication device 650 toperform the various functions of the present invention as previouslydescribed.

In this description, the term “computer readable medium” is used torefer to any media used to provide executable instructions (e.g.,software and computer programs) to the wireless communication device 650for execution by the central processing unit 668. Examples of thesemedia include the data storage area 670, microphone 666 (via thebaseband processor 662), antenna 652 (also via the baseband processor662), and hardware interface 672. These computer readable mediums aremeans for providing executable code, programming instructions, andsoftware to the wireless communication device 650. The executable code,programming instructions, and software, when executed by the centralprocessing unit 668, preferably cause the central processing unit 668 toperform the inventive features and functions previously describedherein.

The central processing unit is also preferably configured to receivenotifications from the hardware interface 672 when new devices aredetected by the hardware interface. Hardware interface 672 can be acombination electromechanical detector with controlling software thatcommunicates with the CPU 668 and interacts with new devices. FIGS.6A-6C introduce the concepts of vehicle motion profiles.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict exemplary spacial motion profiles 12A-12C fordiffering vehicle types (10A-10C). The transportation industry (fromtoll booths to vehicle safety equipment) places vehicle types intodifferent classes in order to manage the vehicles (whether for insurancepurposes or licensing requirements, among some factors) in groups.Historically, the same approach has been used by driving event detectionand reporting devices. It has been understood that a car (e.g. vehicle12A) will handle differently than a commercial hauling vehicle (e.g.vehicle 12B), and therefore any system that uses vehicle motioncharacteristics as at least one factor in identifying risky drivingevents must take the vehicle class into account.

FIG. 6A depicts a conventional passenger vehicle 10A having one or moreevent capture devices 20 associated with it. The device 20 has theability to detect vehicle motion (and acceleration) in X, Y, and Z axes,as well as detecting (optionally) Pitch, Roll and Yaw. If spacial motiondata is plotted over a number of driving trips, one might expect thedata points to fall within the area similar to that shown in FIG. 12A.The profile 12A would tend to be fairly compact, since a passengervehicle 10A tends to have relatively limited range of motion, a lowcenter of gravity, and a comparably rigid ride. As a result, a sensorfor this type of vehicle would tend to be on the more sensitive end ofthe spectrum.

FIG. 6B depicts a conventional commercial cargo truck 10B having one ormore event capture devices 20 associated with it. In the normal courseof its driving usage, we would expect loading to increase and decrease.We'd expect the center of gravity of the vehicle to change radicallywhile load composition changes and load centers of gravity move aboutwithin the cargo area. Furthermore, a vehicle such as this will tendnatively to have a much higher center of gravity than a passengervehicle. Having a high center of gravity and the other loading issueswill cause the vehicle to have a much more active ride than a passengervehicle, and to exhibit quite a bit more motion in virtually every axis.The profile 12B indicates an exemplary distribution of the motion dataemanating from the event capture device 20.

A final example vehicle is depicted in FIG. 6C. The vehicle 10C isintended to represent a commercial fuel truck or the like. Such avehicle 10C contains a liquid cargo within its hold that is effectivelyunrestrained from sloshing around inside of it. As a result, any spacialmotion is likely to be amplified as the inertia of the liquid contentsfollows the motion of the vehicle 10C. While not typically having acenter of gravity that is as high as the cargo hauling truck 10B, thebulk liquid hauling truck 10C (when substantially laden with liquidcontents) might be expected to exhibit more roll, pitch and yaw, such asis depicted in profile 12C.

These profiles 12A-12C are presented here to illustrate that differentvehicle types will be expected to exhibit different motion profiles. Inorder for a driving event monitoring system to effectively use thismotion as a way of determining when a risky driving event has occurred,that system must adjust its trigger thresholds for vehicle class. Infact, particularly in the case of commercial vehicles used for hauling(materials or people), the particular vehicle profile must be monitorednot only for its initial historical characteristics, but also must bekept under surveillance for changes to the motion profile. Changes inthe spacial motion profile will not only make event detection triggeringmore effective, but will also be an accurate indication that changes inthe vehicle or in the location or performance of the event capturedevices 20 (or the event detector itself have occurred. The method ofFIG. 7 discusses just such an approach.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting the steps of a preferred driving eventdetection method using real-time vehicle classification 14. Since we arefocusing only on the effect of vehicle classification and vehiclespacial motion profile, we are not addressing the aspects of the drivingevent system related to event triggering, reporting, data handling andothers. These areas are handled in detail in the context of otherdisclosures, including within the Parent Applications. For the purposesof this Description, it is sufficient to understand that the methoddiscussed herein is not the entire driving risk/driving event monitoringsystem, but rather is a single component of such a system related to thereal-time reaction to vehicle motion profile and its effect on thedriving event detection system.

At power up 100, one of the numerous initialization steps of the eventdetector system is the initialization of the spacial motion detector(s)102. This initialization 102 includes, among other things, detecting theglobal orientation of the motion detectors(s) as they relate to thevehicle. Detecting the orientation of the detector(s) will remove anyissues related to proper orientation of the detector housing (i.e.relative to horizontal/vertical), since each detector will individuallydetect and calibrate to its orientation within the vehicle. In order toavoid an erroneous setting due to the vehicle being parked on anon-level surface, it might be preferred that the orientationinitialization only occur when the system is being initially set up whenit is installed in the vehicle. Alternatively, as will be discussedbelow, the system may simply rely on the continuing real-time adjustmentto correct any errors created during the initialization stage.

The spacial detector(s) may also be initialized with a pre-set motionprofile based on the vehicle class (see FIGS. 6A-6C), or upon thehistorical motion profile of this particular vehicle. After commencementof the driving trip 104 (potentially detected via the OBD or othervehicle speed sensor), spacial motion will be detected and monitored 106continuously. As it is monitored, three basic functions will be appliedto the data-event detection 108, comparison to pre-determined vehicleclass/types 114 and comparison to the historical performance of thisparticular vehicle 124.

As spacial motion indicates to the event detector that an event hasoccurred, that event data will be collected 110. Once collected, thisevent data is available for display and analysis through a variety offeatures that are included in the overall driving risk monitoring system112.

Event detection 108 occurs when any number of parameters are metincluding motion, audio, video and other data. As it applies to vehiclespacial motion, exceeding certain motion thresholds (including directionand acceleration) will trigger the event detection system to identify a“driving event.”

The data source for the comparison of the real-time spacial motion topredetermined vehicle class/type data 114 is within a data repository ofclass/type spacial motion profiles 16. This repository 16 could be local(i.e. in the vehicle), remote (in the evaluation portion of the system),or could be removable. In any case, the repository will contain a set ofstandard spacial motion profiles that the event detection system expectsfrom a standardized set of vehicle types/classes. As mentioned above,the typical system will use one of these standardized spacial motionprofiles when the motion detector(s) are initialized 102.

The comparison continues 116 so long as the vehicle motion data fallswithin the expected vehicle profile. If the real-time data falls outsideof the expected vehicle type/class in a sufficient manner 118, it mightbe appropriate to change the assigned class/type 120. If such a changeis elected, the system will modify the trigger threshold 122 used inevent detection 108, and will then continue to monitor for events usingthe adjusted threshold 108.

As discussed previously, keeping track of historical profiles of vehiclespacial motion may also be of interest. Historical comparison 124 toprofiles stored in data repository 18 would enable the system to detectif a change to the vehicle, the event capture devices, or the eventdetector(s) has occurred. For example, if the event detector system wasmoved to a new vehicle, comparison to historical spacial motion (i.e. ofthe original vehicle) will very likely reveal a drastic change. If thecomparison demonstrates historical consistency 126, monitoringcontinues. If, however, a predetermined amount of inconsistency in theprofile is detected 128, then the system will provide an alert 130 ofsome sort. Typically, this would be a notice sent to the evaluation/mainserver system so that the caretaker of the entire risk monitoring systemwould be made aware that an equipment change has occurred. Conceivably,this feature could also detect vehicle wear/maintenance issues, improperloading techniques as well as if the vehicle is being used for improperpurposes.

It is pointed out that the initializations and adjustments discussedherein are not intended to be confined to a particular event capturedevice or the event detector itself Clearly, the aforementionedinitialization and real-time adjustments could be implemented at any oneof a number of places in the driving event detection system, includingwithin the communications conduits interconnecting the variouscomponents. As such, the discussions here should be read to include anyeffective approach to detect vehicle spacial motion and adjust thedriving event detector system's response to the detected vehicle motion“on the fly,” rather than responding to static, predetermined sets ofexpected vehicle motion characteristics. FIGS. 8A-8C introduce yetanother feature of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict different vehicle classes and their associatedcenters of gravity 22. These figures are presented in order to introducethe reader to the concept of vehicle center of gravity for the purposeof its monitoring within the instant vehicle event detector/recorder. Asshown in the passenger vehicle 10A of FIG. 8A, the center of gravity 22is that imaginary point that mathematically represents the location andsize of the vector representing the entire mass of the vehicle 10A. Thecenter of gravity vector 22 points in the same direction as gravity.

Of course, there are forces in the opposite direction to the center ofgravity vector 22. These are located at each of the wheels, and areindicated as first support force 24A and second support force 24B. Ofcourse, in a four-wheeled vehicle, there would be third and fourthsupporting forces (not shown) at the non-depicted wheels on the oppositeside of the vehicle 10A. Each of the support forces 24 is separated fromthe center of gravity by their respective moment arm, e.g. 26A, 26B. Thelength of the respective moment arms 26 have a direct effect on thetwisting forces being applied on the vehicle 10A, and are detectable bycurrently-available event capture devices 20.

A change in location of the center of gravity 22 will result in a changein one or all of the moment arms 26. Changes in the moment arms areknown as “offsets” in the center of gravity (“CG Offsets”). A CG Offsetcan represent changes in vehicle loading, vehicle suspension,detector/capture device orientation, location or configuration, or acombination of these factors, among others. Monitoring CG and CG Offsetprovides the event detector system with additional real-time tuningcapabilities not previously available.

FIG. 8B depicts the center of gravity 22 of a commercial cargo truck10B. Here, we would expect a loaded vehicle to have a center of gravity22 that is nearly centered on the cargo area, since here is where mostof the vehicle's weight is. Clearly, the center of gravity 22, andtherefore moment arms, would be extremely sensitive to load positioningand composition. Furthermore, note how high the center of gravity 22 ofvehicle 10B is as compared to vehicle 110C. If we now turn to FIG. 9, wecan examine bow the system of the present invention may utilize CGoffset in order to “tune” the driver event monitoring and reportingsystem.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting the steps of a preferred event detectionmethod using real-time vehicle classification to filter sensor data 28.Essentially, this method 28 is an expansion/modification of the methoddiscussed above in connection with FIG. 7. The initialization of thespacial motion detector will now include a calibration of CG offset.Since CG offset is a dynamic characteristic, an initial setting will benecessary in order to detect an offset from historical or type/classnormal. Subsequently, CG offset is monitored in addition to the otherspacial motion elements 107 by the event capture devices (not shown).

The ultimate goal of a portable driving risk evaluation system is to beaccurate 100% of the time, without need for human review orintervention. While this is only theoretically possible, there isbenefit in implementing functional aspects within the event capture anddetection system (i.e. the portable system) that will improve accuracy.Also, communications bandwidth between the portable systems and thecentral evaluation server will be optimized as event data reliability isincreased (i.e. because “false positives” will be minimized). Suchimprovements in triggering accuracy mandate not only equipment detectionimprovements, but also improvements in data filtration. Filtering theraw data emanating from the event capture devices (not shown), if doneproperly in real-time, will improve system responsiveness, accuracy, andreduce communications bandwidth. It has been discovered that filteringthe raw event capture device data responsive to CG offset is one veryeffective approach to achieve such gains. As a result, an extra step 132wherein the raw data is filtered prior to event detection 108 has beenadded to the instant method.

If the vehicle class/type is changed 120, the trigger thresholds 122 ofthe event detector will be modified, but other adjustments will also bemade in real-time. The filtration parameters are also adjusted 134 onthe raw data filters in response to changes in spacial motion profile.Since both raw data filtration and event detection trigger thresholdsare being changed continuously as vehicle motion profile evolves (ifappropriate), the optimum in accuracy of event detection (after eventcapture) is possible beyond what was previously available. FIG. 10reviews the handling of driving events at a system level.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting exemplary inputs to the eventdetector 30A of FIG. 1, and the potential response results anddestinations for detected events. The communications with an externalevaluation server is extensively discussed in the Parent Applications,and is therefore not reproduced there, but is rather incorporated hereinby reference.

As shown, event capture devices 20 (including inputs from the OBD andother vehicle equipment) can generate captured event data for velocity,acceleration (linear), pitch, roll, yaw. Center of gravity and CG offsetmay also be used. Vehicle orientation relative to compass heading, aswell as vehicle location may be included in event data. Finally, audio,video and metadata will likely be included.

The captured data 29 may be filtered by a real-time tunable raw datafilter 31 before it is analyzed by the event detector 30A to determinewhether or not a driving event of note has occurred. The criteria formaking a type of driving event of note could be user-defined for theirparticular reason; such events of note may or may not otherwise beconsidered to be risky driving events, but are otherwise of interest tothe user.

As discussed above, the event detector 30A response/trigger threshold isadjustable responsive to vehicle spacial motion profile changes. Ifappropriate, a trigger threshold tuner 33 will adjust the event detector30A trigger threshold(s).

As events are detected by the event detector 30A, captured event datacan be output in accordance with a number of options 30, includingplacement in a local storage repository 35. Transmission to a remotestorage repository 34 may also occur, either automatically, or inresponse to user request. Furthermore, there may be a blend of localstorage and partial transmission to remote storage 34. Remote analysis36 can be conducted on remotely stored data as desired by the systemcustodian or other authorized individuals. Of course, it is alsoexpected that a certain quantity of data that is initially storedlocally and/or remotely will ultimately be deleted 32 in order toconserve. A remote archive data repository 38 is a potential destinationfor some of the data initially held in the local or remote datarepositories 35, 34.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations andmodifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can beconfigured without departing from me scope and spirit of the invention.Therefore, it is to be understood than within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced other than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for evaluating risk in driving, comprising: initializing aspacial motion detecting event capture device associated with a vehicle,said initialization comprising tuning said device responsive to presetvehicle type/class data; monitoring vehicle spacial motion with saidspacial motion detecting event capture device; capturing driving eventdata at one or more event capture devices coupled with said vehicle;analyzing the driving event data with at least one event detector deviceto calculate a driving event score, said score responsive to saidspacial motion monitoring; and combining a plurality of driving eventscores in a local data repository associated with said vehicle.